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I started detecting in '67 with an old Whites GoldMaster non-discriminating machine that must have weighed 20 lbs. and took to the hobby like a duck takes to water. I hunted every chance and loved being out in the fresh air with no troubles or worries except what the next signal would be. In '68, I sold detectors for Ray Smith's National Treasure Hunter's League. I became a multi-line dealer in '72 or '73 and continued selling until 10 years ago. In September of '96 I was asked to serve as the Secretary of the North Central Chapter of the FMDAC. It didn't take long to see that the Federation would never gain much ground with the 5,000 members they had on the books. I asked the National President, Betty Weeks and the upcoming President, Al Dubiel, for permission to send out feelers to organizations who had similar problems with the same government agencies that we had. They agreed and I began a systematic search for groups that would be willing to help us if requested and would accept our help as needed. In March of '97, the North Central President called and asked if I would be willing to represent our chapter in the FMDAC Spring Meeting in Longview, TX. He would be traveling at that time and couldn't attend. I agreed and gave a report on the work I had been doing. By then, I had aligned a large number of organizations that we could call on for help. The Board must have been impressed because they gave me a seat on the board with the title of Alliance Liaison. During my tenure, I received two Presidential Awards. I served on the Board of Directors until a few months ago. I now no longer believe that the FMDAC's primary purpose is to assist the average detectorist and prospector. I also believe that the small miners aren't even being considered for help by the Federation. I was honored by being profiled in Who's Who in America from 1999 to present and profiled in Who's Who in the World from 2000 to present. While serving with the Federation, I worked closely with Ron Stockman and I can only hope that a small amount of his expertise rubbed off on me. It was a tremendous loss when Ron passed away and he will be greatly missed by all hobbyists. I might suggest that all of us remember what Samuel Adams, one of our Founding Fathers said, "It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." Larry Armstrong
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My
name is Larry Armstrong and I live in South Hutchinson, KS. I have a wife,
Gloria, two grown sons and a two year old Shih Tzu dog that is totally
spoiled. In August, 1995, I took early retirement from my position as a
Department Manager in a bus plant. We made Type A school busses and
shuttle busses. I worked 60 to 70 hours a week for too little money and
hated every minute of it.